McMurray, Helen Louise Pieart – 1923-2012

HARBAUGH, HOWARTH, MCMURRAY, PIEART

Posted By: Diana Wagner
Date: 7/16/2024 at 12:45:33

Helen was born November 24, 1923, to Lettie and Elmer Pieart. She graduated from Lincoln High. Helen and Harold were high school sweethearts and married January 24, 1943.
Harold enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1943 and served as a Ball Turret Gunner on a B-17. On May 1, 1945, his plane was shot down. Helen only knew that he was “missing in action,” but in her heart she believed he was alive. Eventually, she was notified that he was a Prisoner of War. They were reunited after he was liberated and sent home at the end of the war.
Helen and Harold had two daughters, Pam and Pat. Her greatest love and accomplishments were her family and her church. She was an elder in the Presbyterian Church and served as Clerk of Session for over 30 years.
Helen volunteered for many years at Cattell Elementary School, and when the children needed extra help, she tutored them in her home.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Harold, and her parents. She is survived by her daughters and their husbands, Pam and Haynes Harbaugh, and Pat and Ron Howarth; five grandchildren, Heidi, Hillary, Keely, Ryan, and Shelby; 12 great-grandchildren, Maddie, Cierra, Trevor, Travis, Amanda, Vinny, Olivia, Chris, Sophie, Brady, Ansley and Devin; brother and sister-in-law, Dale and Helen Pieart; and brothers, Don Pieart and John Pieart.
Helen spent the last 12 years at Valley View Village in a cottage, custodial care, and transitioning into healthcare nearly two years ago. We wish to thank the residents and staff for the loving friendships and care she received while living there. Our deepest gratitude to Iowa Health Hospice who has changed all our lives forever.
Memorial services will be held 11 a.m., Monday, September 10, 2012, at Union Park Presbyterian Church, 1307 Thompson Avenue, Des Moines, with burial at Colfax Cemetery in Colfax, Iowa.
Memorial contributions may be made to Iowa Health Hospice or Union Park Presbyterian Church in loving memory of Helen.
Online condolences may be made to: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Published in Des Moines (IA) Register; Sunday, September 9, 2012, page 9B